Sri Hanumad Vratha - Significance

Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, sukla Trayodasi (13th day) during the sacred lunar month Margasira masam is reckoned as Hanumad Vrata. This we find being observed mostly in South especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states.  

According to the legend behind it is said that, it was due to Arjuna’s overlooking (neglect) Lord Hanuman’s significance [who was sitting in the form of a flag (emblem) on his chariot]. Pandavas had to struggle for 13 years (12+1) in forests during exile. Perhaps this may be the significance behind worshipping Lord Hanuman on this day with a yellow coloured thread having 13 knots known as Thora and worn by devotees after the pooja.  

On the advice of Lord Vedavyasa who had narrated the significance of this vratha to Dharmaraja, Draupadi Devi performed this Vratha under the guidance of Lord Sri Krishna.  It is believed that Lord Sri Rama Himself had performed this Vratha. On this day, Lord Hanuman is exclusively worshiped by one and all for good health, peace, relief from struggles and overall prosperity.

Hanumad Vratha Vs Hanuman Jayanthi

There is some confusion among the public as they assume Hanumad Vratha as Hanuman Jayanthi (the day Hanuman was born).  But, both are different. Chaithra Sukla Pournami (full moon day) in the lunar month Chaithra is purported to be the day Lord Hanuman was born celebrated as Hanuman Jayanthi.

Whereas, Hanumad Vratha (Margasira Sukla Trayodasi) is the day exclusively earmarked for worshiping Lord Hanuman. A reference to Hanumadvratha is believed to have been made in Bhavishyottara Purana scripted by Lord Vedavyasa.

Worship of Lord Hanuman is prevailing in Hindu religion since Ramayana days and Lord Hanuman is one of the best known and most widely worshiped Deity of Hindu Religion. All walks of people worship Lord Hanuman regardless of affiliations. Lord Hanuman, the personification of true and resolute devotion to Lord Sri Rama is known for his righteousness, courage, strength, valor, discriminative intelligence etc.

He is considered as an all powerful Deity capable of eradicating grief and providing solution to the mundane problems and sufferings of the individuals.

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं
जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठ ।
वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं
श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये ।

Mano-Javam Maaruta-Tulya-Vegam

Jite[a-I]ndriyam Buddhi-Mataam Varishttha |

Vaata-Atmajam Vaanara-Yuutha-Mukhyam

Shriiraama-Duutam Sharannam Prapadye |

Lord Hanuman is as swift as the mind and as fast as the Wind God (Vaayu); He is the one who has conquered the senses; a master of Senses who keeps them always under his control; foremost among the intelligentsia, honoured for his learning, intelligence and wisdom; who is the son (Pavana Puthra) and incarnation of the Wind God (Vaayu); who is the chief of the army of Vanaras (Monkeys); who is the messenger (emissary) of Lord Sri Rama; I surrender to such mighty God Lord Hanuman.

Yathra Yathra Raghunatha Keerthanam

Tathra Tathra Kruthamasthakanjalim

Bhashpavari Paripoorna Lochanam

Maruthim namatha Rakshasanthakam

Above prayer sloka of Hanuman says that wherever RAMA naama is sung, he is present though not visible, with his eyes full of tears and with his hands folded in prayer to His Lord Sri Rama.

Hanuman undoubtedly the greatest devotee of Lord Sri Rama continuously chanted this Tharaka manthra (RAMA NAMA) that helped him to accomplish several extraordinary feats during epic Ramayana and also endorsed him the status of Bhavishya Brahma, going to be the future Brahma in the coming Ages.

Buddhir balam yaso dhairyam 
Nirbhayatvam arogata

Ajaadyam vaak patuthvam cha 
Hanumath smaranaath bhavet...

बुद्धिर्बलं यशोधैर्यं निर्भयत्वं अरोगता ।
अजाड्यं वाक्पटुत्वंच हनूमत् स्मरणं भवेत् ।

Above sloka from Aanjaneya Stuthi is just an example of the benefits one derived by praying Lord Hanuman. One will be blessed with wisdom, strength, fame, valor, fearlessness, good health, dearth of lethargy and speech vigor by worshiping Lord Hanuman.

There is nothing that Lord Hanuman cannot bestow upon his true devotee. He is also capable of revitalizing the spiritual qualities in an individual and putting him on the right track towards the ultimate goal of salvation. Lord Hanuman the living God is easily accessible by chanting of Sri Rama Nama.

  

SRI RAMA JAYA RAMA JAYA JAYA RAMA......

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu...